US may strike at Isis forces in Philippines

PHILIPPINES: The Pentagon is considering air strikes against Isis terrorists in the Philippines, according to two defence officials.

A recent spurt of Islamic Stateaffiliated terrorist activity, including an ongoing assault on the southern city of Marawi, has caused alarm in the Philippines and neighbouring countries that Isis could establish a regional hub in Southeast Asia, even as it declines in the Middle East.

The authority to strike Isis targets as part of a strategy of collective defence could become part of a military operation that may be formalised as early as today, said the officials.

The strikes would likely be conducted by armed drones.

If the Pentagon plan is approved, the United States military would be able to conduct strikes against the Isis groups that Philippines forces are fighting in the country’s southern islands.

The US has been sharing intelligence and has had a counterterrorism presence in the Philippines for 15 years.

Speaking at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in the Philippine capital, Manila, yesterday, Rex Tillerson, US Secretary of State, said Washington had already provided planes and drones for intelligence purposes.

Reports of US troops on the ground near the besieged city of Marawi emerged as early as June. The Muslim-majority city of 200,000 was overrun by groups claiming allegiance to Isis in late May, and the Philippine military has been unable to regain full control.

President Rodrigo Duterte initially claimed he was ‘‘not aware’’ of their presence and that he had ‘‘never approached America’’ for help.

While seeking stronger ties with China, Duterte has tried over the past year to distance himself from Washington, which he has accused of treating the Philippines like ‘‘dogs on a leash’’.

Yesterday, he changed his tone. ‘‘I am happy to see you,’’ he told Tillerson at the presidential palace. ‘‘I am your humble friend in Southeast Asia.’’